Blue eyes met her cerulean own. His black hair waved in the slight breeze, and his deep green shirt played highlights along his eyes and face. She couldn't help but feel a small bit of attraction toward an incredibly handsome guy. Suddenly she was the young awkward girl she hadn't been since she was sixteen.
He couldn't help but see her as a young attractive woman. He had told himself that he was only here because it was part of the deal but a hidden part of himself, a part he tried not to listen to, told him that it was because of this. He felt as he hadn't since he was just 21. Young and new in the world. What am I thinking? This is Serena. I can't do this. He pulled his mind into check, and tried to think if what was at hand. He pulled his eyes from hers.
"Come on." He moved from the door, and gave her a moment to collect her thoughts. She grabbed her keys and locked the door behind her. She didn't know what had happened in those few seconds, but her hands missed the keyhole one to many times. He was halfway to the street by the time she managed to get it completely locked; the door was only the first lock to be done.
She didn't run after him, but had to walk fast to catch up. He held open the car door and as a lock of golden hair fell across his hand, he again had to regain control of his emotions. She flicked the ends out of the way as he shut the door. He fumbled the keys trying to unlock the door, but managed to cover it with nonchalance and driving to the restaurant as fast as he could he tried not to glance over at the beauty beside him.
The entryway to the restaurant was surrounded by camera crews with flash cameras and long microphones. Serena had second thoughts as Darien pulled up to the valet booth, but a valet opened the door for her and with only a moments hesitation she stepped out into a mass of flashes. Darien was instantly by her side and the cold look on his face made them back off. Being the nosey reporters that they were, they flashed away from a discrete distance. A false grin covered his face, and Serena plastered on one of her own as they walked inside.When the doors shut behind them the outside noise diminished, and a gentle dinner music filled the air. Serena dropped the smile and rubbed the bridge of her nose hoping that the headache she was feeling would soon go away. When Darien had told her that she would have to appear in public with him she had never thought that it would be this public.
The restaurant was one of the most frequented in the whole city, and anyone who was anyone came here on any given night. Everyone from actors to city officials came here, and if there was any better way to see, or be seen in this town, coming here would be it. Serena didn't even think that anyone could get reservations earlier than a month in advance, but Darien had apparently gotten them in one day. Maybe being in his position wasn't that bad after all.
Snap out of it girl. No one wants to be in his position. Serena shook her head to clear the odd thoughts. They had been led to a nice table for two in an out of the way corner of the main room, and she sat in the far corner so she would be able to look over the entire room. Darien held the chair for her, and flicking her hair out of the way, she gracefully sat.
Menus were given, and Serena exclaimed involuntarily over the prices. Darien laughed at her.
"I know they charge an arm and a leg, but that is the price of fame Serena. Order whatever your heart desires." He used the phrase purposely, but didn't get the reaction he expected. Serena proceeded to order the most expensive items she could find making a meal that two women her size couldn't finish. Darien realized that this was not the woman he remembered from long ago. Shaking his head he ordered his own meal. Silently they sipped their wine and waited for their meal. Darien thought of saying something but Serena looked a bit contrary at the moment so he said nothing. Serena waited for him to say something, and when he didn't she glared at him.
"You know this so figures. We can't even spend a civilized meal together." She finally said after ten minutes of silence. She had never been one for boredom, or sitting in one spot for to long. She pushed her chair back, and made to leave.
"Serena don't leave." He grabbed her arm as she turned away. She pulled, but he didn't let go. She turned back to him. "I'm sorry. I am not used to being with someone who..."
"Who isn't completely dazzled by your awesome and terrifying being? Get real Darien." She tried to get away from him again, but he still didn't let go.
"It's true Serena... Please... stay..." He let go of her wrist and let her make her own choice. They both knew that he could have used their deal against her but he didn't. She let that convince her to stay. Again she sat down, and was rewarded with a beautiful smile that put butterflies in her stomach. Blushing she looked at the waiter who was just bringing their meal. The waiter, not knowing why such a beautiful woman was looking at him, grinned and served her with relish. Serena just looked at her hands in her lap.
Darien couldn't help but notice the rosy color that stained her cheeks nor the effect it had on him. She would not look at him, but only stared at her hands, and then the food once the waiter had left. She dug in with enjoyment and soon had polished off her entire meal. Darien looked at her in shock.
"Haven't you eaten in the last week?" He too had finished his meal already, but that was expected. Serena shrugged.
"I just eat a lot when I get the chance. I'm out late at night and sleeping during the day. I don't usually get to much time to eat. Especially when it is this good." She explained not seeming to really mind that any other woman would have been extremely embarrassed about their appetite.
"Well, at the very least I can provide you with a meal every now and then, and the time to eat it. How about next Saturday you take a day off and spend it with me?" What am I doing? Asking her on a date? This is supposed to be just business. He groaned inwardly. Stop fooling yourself. You know how you feel about her. He was still waiting for an answer.
"Is this part of the deal?" She asked skeptically. Deep down inside she hoped it wasn't but this was Darien here and not just any cute guy. Girl stop kidding yourself. This guy is a real creep and you know it. Yes she knew who and what he was, but her heart didn't care."No Serena it isn't part of the deal. It's just two people spending the day together. I'll take you out the night before so Mina won't have you out all night. That will be part of out deal. What do you say?" He surprised himself by really wanting her to go with him. He also knew that if she said no he would be crushed. She pretended to consider it, but sleeping at night and a day just to have fun were too much for her to pass up.
"Okay. It will be like the old days." She grinned in expectation and Darien liked the look. He smiled slyly at his success in getting her to relax and hoped he could find something for them to do next weekend. They finished their meal talking about nothing in general. Towards the end Serena even thought he might be flirting with her. She shouldn't be doing this, and she shouldn't have agreed to a whole day with someone who was supposed to be her archenemy, but she was tired of doing what she should. It was time to act irresponsible for a change. Besides she deserved it.
"You really do deserve a day off Serena." Darien echoed her thoughts as they finished their dessert. She grinned wryly.
"And how do you know that?" She wondered if he had been keeping tabs on her. That sounded like Darien to her.
"The effects of your little escapade have been felt all over the city. Crime rate is down, evil rate is down, and the city almost has a decent reputation, despite my efforts to keep it the way it was. Scouts Inc. has been busy. How many of them have you found this time?" His question surprised her. She hadn't known that he knew all the details of the situation.
"All of them. I found them early on this time, and we started as soon as they were ready. That is why we have actually been effective instead of just making dents, and we can convert some of the people we catch to our side. The ones we can't change we have to get rid off. It's unfortunate, but necessary." She hated giving up on someone, but some people wouldn't change no matter what you did for them, and some were just bad to begin with.
"Tell me something Serena, is it true that you can bring back their souls?" Darien asked joking. He had heard the rumor, but laughed at it. Such magic took a strong mind and an even stronger soul.
"Yes Darien. It's true." She said softly. The grin disappeared from his face and he leaned forward in earnest.
"You're kidding. Once a soul is taken, it is taken." Or so he had thought.
"No. A soul isn't exactly taken, more like lost. It can be brought back, although it is hard and takes quite a bit of energy. It is possible. Once they have their soul back, they usually realize their mistake and change." She continued to speak softly not really wanting to be discussing her job.
"Usually?" He asked already knowing the answer.
"There are souls that began evil, and nothing I can do changes that no matter how I try or how much energy I use to purify the evil that being turned leaves on them, but you already know all this. Why do you ask?" She was confused and slightly upset. He rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder which she shrugged off.
"I just wanted to know if.... if there was a way you could tell me if my soul is well.... evil or not." He admitted grudgingly. The question had rested on his mind for quite some time, but he hadn't been able to get up the courage to ask anyone let alone her. Serena couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"Yes Darien there is, but are you really willing to let me try? It would mean me seeing your entire being, and knowing exactly how you feel." She had only done this once before, and then it had been on herself. She could do it if he would let her.
"That isn't the question Serena. Are you willing to know that much about me? You already know more than anyone else ever has, but that is slightly different." How long had they known each other now? Only he knew. Serena couldn't."That doesn't matter to me Darien. I know what it's like not knowing if you are as bad as the rest of them, and I wouldn't want anyone even you to have to face that." Her voice shook involuntarily. She had once thought that she had been tainted, that she was evil. Now she knew the truth although it was almost as hard to bare. Darien saw some of this in her eyes, and his heart went out to her.
"I'll give you some time to think about it Serena, but I am in no way demanding this of you. I wouldn't want you to do this with any hard feelings or misgivings. I hope you understand that." His eyes were sincere and Serena could see that.
"Alright. I'll tell you next weekend. Thank you." Mumbled Serena. Her remark surprised him.
"For what?" He tried to figure out what she meant, but couldn't.
"For not making me do this. If it were forced, I don't know what the consequence would be. Last time it took me years to come to peace with the subject, and even then I had difficulties." Gratitude shown from her eyes, and neither of them knew what to say now. Just then, as if on cue, the waiter came and left the check. Darien went to pay it why Serena composed herself. As soon as he came back she stood up.
"Let's go Serena. How about a midnight drive?" He didn't really want the evening to end, but it was getting late. Serena mentioned this, and the fact that she had to work tomorrow, so Darien drove her home. Outside her apartment door he said goodnight, and watched her leave him but once inside the door, Serena dropped her false bravado and collapsed into the nearest chair.
Had he really asked her to do it? Did he really want to know or was this some sort of trap to get in her mind? Serena couldn't be sure, she had no way of knowing, but what she did know was the pain and anguish of not knowing if she was evil, or what she was. For years beyond thinking she hadn't known what she was, and now that she did.... it wasn't all that much better. She knew.
I don't know why I'm thinking about this, I already know I'm going to do it. Even for Darien. Then a small part of her added against her will: Especially for Darien! She chose to ignore it and went to bed. Sleep at night. What a novelty.
Under the warm covers her mind began thinking again. What will it be like knowing what Darien feels? What if he is evil, and more important, what if he isn't. Can Darien be good? After all he's done? He's a vampire for God's sake. She rolled over onto her stomach and stared at the clock. Yeah, he's a vampire, but how is that any worse than me? How can I call him evil when under normal circumstances I could be considered the same? There was no way she could think strait without sleep, and this week would be hard on her. Work, plus the purification rituals she would have to undergo and then she would have to keep Mina and the rest from knowing her plans.
"How do I get myself into these things?" She asked the ceiling. Rolling over, she went to sleep.
He couldn't help but see her as a young attractive woman. He had told himself that he was only here because it was part of the deal but a hidden part of himself, a part he tried not to listen to, told him that it was because of this. He felt as he hadn't since he was just 21. Young and new in the world. What am I thinking? This is Serena. I can't do this. He pulled his mind into check, and tried to think if what was at hand. He pulled his eyes from hers.
"Come on." He moved from the door, and gave her a moment to collect her thoughts. She grabbed her keys and locked the door behind her. She didn't know what had happened in those few seconds, but her hands missed the keyhole one to many times. He was halfway to the street by the time she managed to get it completely locked; the door was only the first lock to be done.
She didn't run after him, but had to walk fast to catch up. He held open the car door and as a lock of golden hair fell across his hand, he again had to regain control of his emotions. She flicked the ends out of the way as he shut the door. He fumbled the keys trying to unlock the door, but managed to cover it with nonchalance and driving to the restaurant as fast as he could he tried not to glance over at the beauty beside him.
The entryway to the restaurant was surrounded by camera crews with flash cameras and long microphones. Serena had second thoughts as Darien pulled up to the valet booth, but a valet opened the door for her and with only a moments hesitation she stepped out into a mass of flashes. Darien was instantly by her side and the cold look on his face made them back off. Being the nosey reporters that they were, they flashed away from a discrete distance. A false grin covered his face, and Serena plastered on one of her own as they walked inside.When the doors shut behind them the outside noise diminished, and a gentle dinner music filled the air. Serena dropped the smile and rubbed the bridge of her nose hoping that the headache she was feeling would soon go away. When Darien had told her that she would have to appear in public with him she had never thought that it would be this public.
The restaurant was one of the most frequented in the whole city, and anyone who was anyone came here on any given night. Everyone from actors to city officials came here, and if there was any better way to see, or be seen in this town, coming here would be it. Serena didn't even think that anyone could get reservations earlier than a month in advance, but Darien had apparently gotten them in one day. Maybe being in his position wasn't that bad after all.
Snap out of it girl. No one wants to be in his position. Serena shook her head to clear the odd thoughts. They had been led to a nice table for two in an out of the way corner of the main room, and she sat in the far corner so she would be able to look over the entire room. Darien held the chair for her, and flicking her hair out of the way, she gracefully sat.
Menus were given, and Serena exclaimed involuntarily over the prices. Darien laughed at her.
"I know they charge an arm and a leg, but that is the price of fame Serena. Order whatever your heart desires." He used the phrase purposely, but didn't get the reaction he expected. Serena proceeded to order the most expensive items she could find making a meal that two women her size couldn't finish. Darien realized that this was not the woman he remembered from long ago. Shaking his head he ordered his own meal. Silently they sipped their wine and waited for their meal. Darien thought of saying something but Serena looked a bit contrary at the moment so he said nothing. Serena waited for him to say something, and when he didn't she glared at him.
"You know this so figures. We can't even spend a civilized meal together." She finally said after ten minutes of silence. She had never been one for boredom, or sitting in one spot for to long. She pushed her chair back, and made to leave.
"Serena don't leave." He grabbed her arm as she turned away. She pulled, but he didn't let go. She turned back to him. "I'm sorry. I am not used to being with someone who..."
"Who isn't completely dazzled by your awesome and terrifying being? Get real Darien." She tried to get away from him again, but he still didn't let go.
"It's true Serena... Please... stay..." He let go of her wrist and let her make her own choice. They both knew that he could have used their deal against her but he didn't. She let that convince her to stay. Again she sat down, and was rewarded with a beautiful smile that put butterflies in her stomach. Blushing she looked at the waiter who was just bringing their meal. The waiter, not knowing why such a beautiful woman was looking at him, grinned and served her with relish. Serena just looked at her hands in her lap.
Darien couldn't help but notice the rosy color that stained her cheeks nor the effect it had on him. She would not look at him, but only stared at her hands, and then the food once the waiter had left. She dug in with enjoyment and soon had polished off her entire meal. Darien looked at her in shock.
"Haven't you eaten in the last week?" He too had finished his meal already, but that was expected. Serena shrugged.
"I just eat a lot when I get the chance. I'm out late at night and sleeping during the day. I don't usually get to much time to eat. Especially when it is this good." She explained not seeming to really mind that any other woman would have been extremely embarrassed about their appetite.
"Well, at the very least I can provide you with a meal every now and then, and the time to eat it. How about next Saturday you take a day off and spend it with me?" What am I doing? Asking her on a date? This is supposed to be just business. He groaned inwardly. Stop fooling yourself. You know how you feel about her. He was still waiting for an answer.
"Is this part of the deal?" She asked skeptically. Deep down inside she hoped it wasn't but this was Darien here and not just any cute guy. Girl stop kidding yourself. This guy is a real creep and you know it. Yes she knew who and what he was, but her heart didn't care."No Serena it isn't part of the deal. It's just two people spending the day together. I'll take you out the night before so Mina won't have you out all night. That will be part of out deal. What do you say?" He surprised himself by really wanting her to go with him. He also knew that if she said no he would be crushed. She pretended to consider it, but sleeping at night and a day just to have fun were too much for her to pass up.
"Okay. It will be like the old days." She grinned in expectation and Darien liked the look. He smiled slyly at his success in getting her to relax and hoped he could find something for them to do next weekend. They finished their meal talking about nothing in general. Towards the end Serena even thought he might be flirting with her. She shouldn't be doing this, and she shouldn't have agreed to a whole day with someone who was supposed to be her archenemy, but she was tired of doing what she should. It was time to act irresponsible for a change. Besides she deserved it.
"You really do deserve a day off Serena." Darien echoed her thoughts as they finished their dessert. She grinned wryly.
"And how do you know that?" She wondered if he had been keeping tabs on her. That sounded like Darien to her.
"The effects of your little escapade have been felt all over the city. Crime rate is down, evil rate is down, and the city almost has a decent reputation, despite my efforts to keep it the way it was. Scouts Inc. has been busy. How many of them have you found this time?" His question surprised her. She hadn't known that he knew all the details of the situation.
"All of them. I found them early on this time, and we started as soon as they were ready. That is why we have actually been effective instead of just making dents, and we can convert some of the people we catch to our side. The ones we can't change we have to get rid off. It's unfortunate, but necessary." She hated giving up on someone, but some people wouldn't change no matter what you did for them, and some were just bad to begin with.
"Tell me something Serena, is it true that you can bring back their souls?" Darien asked joking. He had heard the rumor, but laughed at it. Such magic took a strong mind and an even stronger soul.
"Yes Darien. It's true." She said softly. The grin disappeared from his face and he leaned forward in earnest.
"You're kidding. Once a soul is taken, it is taken." Or so he had thought.
"No. A soul isn't exactly taken, more like lost. It can be brought back, although it is hard and takes quite a bit of energy. It is possible. Once they have their soul back, they usually realize their mistake and change." She continued to speak softly not really wanting to be discussing her job.
"Usually?" He asked already knowing the answer.
"There are souls that began evil, and nothing I can do changes that no matter how I try or how much energy I use to purify the evil that being turned leaves on them, but you already know all this. Why do you ask?" She was confused and slightly upset. He rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder which she shrugged off.
"I just wanted to know if.... if there was a way you could tell me if my soul is well.... evil or not." He admitted grudgingly. The question had rested on his mind for quite some time, but he hadn't been able to get up the courage to ask anyone let alone her. Serena couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
"Yes Darien there is, but are you really willing to let me try? It would mean me seeing your entire being, and knowing exactly how you feel." She had only done this once before, and then it had been on herself. She could do it if he would let her.
"That isn't the question Serena. Are you willing to know that much about me? You already know more than anyone else ever has, but that is slightly different." How long had they known each other now? Only he knew. Serena couldn't."That doesn't matter to me Darien. I know what it's like not knowing if you are as bad as the rest of them, and I wouldn't want anyone even you to have to face that." Her voice shook involuntarily. She had once thought that she had been tainted, that she was evil. Now she knew the truth although it was almost as hard to bare. Darien saw some of this in her eyes, and his heart went out to her.
"I'll give you some time to think about it Serena, but I am in no way demanding this of you. I wouldn't want you to do this with any hard feelings or misgivings. I hope you understand that." His eyes were sincere and Serena could see that.
"Alright. I'll tell you next weekend. Thank you." Mumbled Serena. Her remark surprised him.
"For what?" He tried to figure out what she meant, but couldn't.
"For not making me do this. If it were forced, I don't know what the consequence would be. Last time it took me years to come to peace with the subject, and even then I had difficulties." Gratitude shown from her eyes, and neither of them knew what to say now. Just then, as if on cue, the waiter came and left the check. Darien went to pay it why Serena composed herself. As soon as he came back she stood up.
"Let's go Serena. How about a midnight drive?" He didn't really want the evening to end, but it was getting late. Serena mentioned this, and the fact that she had to work tomorrow, so Darien drove her home. Outside her apartment door he said goodnight, and watched her leave him but once inside the door, Serena dropped her false bravado and collapsed into the nearest chair.
Had he really asked her to do it? Did he really want to know or was this some sort of trap to get in her mind? Serena couldn't be sure, she had no way of knowing, but what she did know was the pain and anguish of not knowing if she was evil, or what she was. For years beyond thinking she hadn't known what she was, and now that she did.... it wasn't all that much better. She knew.
I don't know why I'm thinking about this, I already know I'm going to do it. Even for Darien. Then a small part of her added against her will: Especially for Darien! She chose to ignore it and went to bed. Sleep at night. What a novelty.
Under the warm covers her mind began thinking again. What will it be like knowing what Darien feels? What if he is evil, and more important, what if he isn't. Can Darien be good? After all he's done? He's a vampire for God's sake. She rolled over onto her stomach and stared at the clock. Yeah, he's a vampire, but how is that any worse than me? How can I call him evil when under normal circumstances I could be considered the same? There was no way she could think strait without sleep, and this week would be hard on her. Work, plus the purification rituals she would have to undergo and then she would have to keep Mina and the rest from knowing her plans.
"How do I get myself into these things?" She asked the ceiling. Rolling over, she went to sleep.